Are More People Downloading Music Legally?

Now with iTunes, Napster (revamped) and Rhapsody it has become very easy to download music legally.

Remember when Napster used to be all the rage.


Why my law teacher even signed up for high-speed because it offered a 3 month free package. In that time he downloaded all his favorite songs off of Napster and then promptly discontinued his Internet service.

Millions still use peer-to-peer networks to get their music. But surprisingly many have seemed to now be downloading legally.

In a previous post I discussed why downloading music legally helps both the consumer and the musician.

Looking at the recent statistics does show that more people are downloading music legally.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) stated that attitudes towards illegal music downloads seem to be changing as more and more people begin to favor legal downloads.

Here are some of the numbers:

There was 3% rise in the amount of illegal files on peer-to-peer networks.

There was also a 300% rise in the amount of legal downloads in the first half of 2005 over the whole year of 2004!

Also there was a tripling of websites that allowed legal music downloads: 300 in total.

Many, it seems, have gotten the message about not downloading illegal music.

Here's Why You Shouldn't Download Music Illegally

1. Your IP is logged - so the authorities are able to track you down.
2. A chance that the file is contaminated with a virus or worm.
3. A chance that you may have to pay legal fees and/or the amount for stolen music.

So, avoid that entire headache, spend 99 cents and get yourself that song!

Happy (Legal) Music Downloading!!